Mary Rand – the trailblazing Olympic champion who captured Mick Jagger’s eyeImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Mary Rand was one of four British gold medallists at the Tokyo 1964 OlympicsByElizabeth HudsonBBC Sport JournalistPublished52 minutes agoHistory-maker, an inspiration and a remarkable athlete.Mary Rand’s biggest achievement in track and field may have been 62 years ago, but her influence is still being felt today.Rand, whose death aged 86 was declared on Friday, became the first British woman to win an Olympic gold medal in athletics, thanks to her long jump victory in Tokyo in 1964.
She went on to win silver in the inaugural women’s pentathlon and bronze in the 4x100m relay at the same Games. She was the only British female to win three medals at the same Olympics until track cyclist Emma Finucane matched it at Paris 2024.
Ann Packer, who won gold and silver in Tokyo and was Rand’s room-mate along with Mary Peters and Pat Pryce, told 5 Live Breakfast: “Bearing in mind there were fewer events for women than today and she got three medals, she was extraordinary and a complete inspiration.
“She was always the mother hen and wanted to make sure we kept the room tidy. I will miss her dearly.”
